Texas Fire Extinguisher License Study Guide
Eligibility According to the International Code Council, which develops and administers NFPA certification testing, anyone can sit for the required exam to become a certified fire extinguisher technician. Attributes shared by these professionals include attention to details, being customer-service oriented and team-player, and possessing strong communication skills and an ability to work independently. Those who achieve a score of 75 or higher on the NFPA portable fire extinguisher technician certification exam receive a wallet card and may request a wall certificate. Certification must be renewed every three years as of publication.
Certification Exam Fire extinguisher certification requires that a candidate pass a 100 multiple-choice question exam. Topics covered by the test include annual maintenance and recharging procedures; hydrostatic testing; inspection; six-year internal maintenance; extinguisher selection; placement and installation; documentation and record keeping and safety. Although the test is open-book, the International Code Council notes that the two-hour exam time limit prohibits test-takers from looking up answers to every question.
The fire extinguisher exam may be taken in paper or computer format. Computer testing occurs at a Pearson VUE test center, while paper tests are offered at ICC national certification exam sites in 34 states. The 2012 testing fee of $180 applies to both formats. Preparation Those seeking portable fire extinguisher certification must study the four references upon which the qualifying exam is based: 2007 NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2009 International Fire Code, CGA pamphlet C-1 Methods of Hydrostatic Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders and CFR 29 Part 1910.132-138. The 2007 NFPA 10 standard can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association ($38 member/$42 nonmember) or the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors ($42). The International Code Council sells the 2009 International Fire Code ($74.25 member/$99 nonmember) and the Gas Compression Association sells the CGA pamphlet C-1 ($102 member/ $186 customer/subscriber).
All pricing is as of 2012. The code of federal regulations 29 is available free from OSHA.
Texas Fire Extinguisher License Test Study Guide
Texas Fire Extinguisher License Application
Throughout the year, the National Fire Protection Association offers FE exam preparation seminars which cost NFPA members $235 and nonmembers $335. State Certification Options Some states have professional certification options for fire extinguisher technicians. For example, Florida requires them to be licensed. The state's fire marshal division offers a 40-hour course that prepares candidates for the licensing exam. Registration costs $30 with a $150 course fee as of 2012.
The Pennsylvania Association of Fire Protection Distributors has a two-part fire extinguisher technician certification program. Successful candidates receive a photo ID badge and certificate when they score at least 85 on a written exam and demonstrate competence in 10 fire-extinguisher inspection and maintenance skills at the state fire academy.